Definition: And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 24:25. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the story! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Felix is feeling anxious and worried about something. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “And as he reasoned…” : Felix was thinking deeply about different ideas – things like righteousness, temperance (moderation), and the coming judgment. He was weighing different concepts. “…of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come” : This is the key part. Felix is talking about these three important principles: Righteousness: Doing what’s morally correct. Temperance: Being moderate and avoiding excess. Judgment to come: The idea that God will eventually hold people accountable for their actions. “Felix trembled…” : This shows he was feeling scared or uneasy about these ideas. He wasn't comfortable with them. “…and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” This is the core of the verse. Felix said: “Go your way. Don’t linger here. When I have a convenient time, I’ll come back to you.” What it means in plain language: Felix was telling someone (likely a leader or someone important) to leave him alone for now. He wasn't comfortable with the ideas of righteousness, temperance, and judgment being discussed. He felt like they were too weighty right now, and he needed some space before things became more serious. The Significance: This passage is a bit cryptic because it doesn’t tell us what Felix was worried about. It suggests that this wasn't just a simple disagreement; it was something deeply significant and perhaps even unsettling for him. It hints at a potential future where he might be called upon to answer questions or face consequences related to these principles. In short, it’s a moment of anxiety and a request for someone to step back while Felix is still dealing with some weighty thoughts. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like why it was important at the time)? Explore what these principles might mean in a broader sense?